Mountain silverberry (Elaeagnus montana)

At a glance

Lifecycle
Perennial (hardy)
Exposure
Full sun

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know how hardy it will be in Britain, though based on its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. The following details are based on the general information for this genus. Succeeds in most soils that are well-drained. Tolerates maritime exposure. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby. An excellent companion plant, when grown in orchards it can increase yields from the fruit trees by up to 10%.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pot as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant out when they are at least 15cm tall. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, 10 - 12cm with a heel, October/November in a frame. Layering in September/October. Takes 12 months.

Edible uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. The fruit must be fully ripe before it can be enjoyed raw, if even slightly under-ripe it will be quite astringent[K]. The ovoid-ellipsoid fruit is about 1 cm long and contains a single large seed[275, K]. Seed - raw or cooked. It can be eaten with the fruit though the seed case is rather fibrous.

Medicinal uses

The fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavanoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers.

Habitat

In deciduous broad-leaved forests at high elevations in the mountains.

Native range

E. Asia - C. and S. Japan.

Same genus